Election 2014: Surge in last-minute candidate filings

ROCKFORD — The nomination petitions for congressional, state and local races are in.

Monday was the final day candidates could file petitions for the March 18 primary. The general election is Nov. 4.

Candidates who file first will see their names listed in the first ballot position. It’s a coveted spot because of the “primary effect” — the tendency for a candidate to garner more votes by simply having his or her name listed first.

If more than one candidate files petitions at the same time, a lottery determines who receives the first spot on the ballot.

Another lottery for candidates who filed between 4 and 5 p.m. Monday will determine who gets the last position on the ballot.